Press freedom essential for development, says Moriarty

US Ambassador in Bangladesh James F Moriarty has said Monday that establishing and fostering of an independent and pluralistic media, is essential to the development of civil societies and democracies across the globe. The US ambassador said this on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day to be observed across the world today (Tuesday), reports UNB. "During my three years in Dhaka, I have developed a great respect for the independent media in Bangladesh," he said. World Press Freedom Day was established by the United Nations to celebrate the principles of press freedom and to commemorate those who have fought and died trying to exercise them.